We’ve felt sudden and vibrant shifts in our natural observances across the beautiful Moananuiākea/Te Moana-nui-ā-Kiwa. Over the past week, we’ve experienced mostly overcast skies and have seen little to no sea life… but that has changed drastically.

In just the past 48 hours, the signs of nearing Aotearoa have revealed themselves as we eagerly await reuniting with our Māori cousins. The skies have opened up, unveiling bright stars at night and painting the horizon with vibrant sunsets and sunrises during the day. The ocean color has shifted from a deep blue to one that adds a green tint. Whales have been spouting and traveling in the near distance. Groups of Mōʻli (Albatross) and Tītī (Shearwatewr) have been soaring close to our waʻa throughout the day not leaving our side. Pods of Naiʻa (Dolphins) swim joyfully alongside our manu, leaping in excitement.

It feels as if we’re being escorted by our ʻaumākua, a presence that has warmed the hearts of our crew and our waʻa alike.